1. Overview
Richard Keir Pethick Pankhurst, an OBE, was a distinguished British scholar and a prominent figure in Ethiopian studies. Born on December 3, 1927, he became a founding member of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and a former professor at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. His academic contributions primarily focused on the economic history and socio-cultural studies of Ethiopia. Noted scholar Edward Ullendorff lauded his work, particularly his book The Ethiopians, as a testament to his "remarkable diligence and industry in the service of Ethiopian studies." Pankhurst's life and career were deeply influenced by his family's strong background in social activism, especially his mother's lifelong support for Ethiopian culture and independence. He dedicated much of his life to scholarship and advocacy related to Ethiopia, including a significant campaign for the repatriation of the Obelisk of Axum.
2. Early life and education
Richard Pankhurst was born on December 3, 1927, in Woodford Green, United Kingdom. His formative years and academic interests were shaped by his unique family background, deeply rooted in social activism and political engagement.
2.1. Family background
Pankhurst was the son of left communist and former suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst and Italian anarchist Silvio Corio. His maternal grandparents were the renowned suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and the politician Richard Pankhurst. This lineage instilled in him an early awareness of social justice and political engagement, particularly through his mother's fervent support for Ethiopian culture and independence following the Second Italo-Abyssinian War in 1935. Growing up, he became acquainted with many Ethiopian refugees, further deepening his connection to the country. His mother, Sylvia, was also a friend of Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia, and published Ethiopia, a Cultural History in 1955.
Pankhurst received his early education at Bancroft's School in Woodford. He later pursued higher education at the London School of Economics, where he earned a doctorate in economic history. During his doctoral studies, the prominent political theorist Harold Laski served as his advisor, further shaping his academic rigor and critical thinking.
3. Career in Ethiopia
Pankhurst's professional career in Ethiopia began in 1956 when he relocated to the country with his mother, Sylvia Pankhurst. He quickly immersed himself in the academic and cultural life of Ethiopia, making substantial contributions to the study of its history and culture.
He commenced his work at the University College of Addis Ababa, which later became Addis Ababa University. His dedication to Ethiopian studies led him to play a pivotal role in establishing a key institution for scholarship on the country.
3.1. Founding and operation of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies
In 1962, Richard Pankhurst became the founding director of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University. This institution quickly became a central hub for research and documentation related to Ethiopia. Under his leadership, the Institute flourished, fostering a new generation of scholars and significantly expanding the body of knowledge on Ethiopian history, culture, and society. He also took on editorial responsibilities, serving as the editor of the Journal of Ethiopian Studies and the Ethiopia Observer, two important academic publications that disseminated research findings to a wider scholarly audience.
3.2. Academic activities and publications
Throughout his career, Pankhurst's research interests were broad, with a particular focus on Ethiopian economic history and socio-cultural studies. He published an extensive body of work, including numerous books and articles that covered a wide variety of topics related to Ethiopian history. His publications were well-received in academic circles, with scholars like Edward Ullendorff commending his diligence. His comprehensive approach to Ethiopian studies helped to establish new areas of inquiry and provided foundational texts for future researchers.
4. Career in the United Kingdom and return to Ethiopia
In 1976, following the death of Emperor Haile Selassie and the onset of the Ethiopian Civil War, Richard Pankhurst departed from Ethiopia. He resigned from his position at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and his professorship at Addis Ababa University due to the changing political climate.
Upon his return to England, Pankhurst continued his academic and professional engagements. He became a research fellow with the School of Oriental and African Studies and the London School of Economics, maintaining his scholarly pursuits. Later, he served as a librarian at the Royal Asiatic Society, further contributing to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. Despite his work in the UK, his dedication to Ethiopia remained strong. In 1986, he eventually returned to Ethiopia, where he resumed his research activities with the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, continuing his lifelong commitment to the country.
5. Major achievements and advocacy
Richard Pankhurst's career was marked by significant academic accomplishments and tireless advocacy efforts, particularly those aimed at preserving and restoring Ethiopian cultural heritage and national identity. His work extended beyond scholarly research to active campaigns for cultural restitution.
5.1. Campaign for the return of the Obelisk of Axum
One of Pankhurst's most notable achievements was his dedicated campaign for the repatriation of the Obelisk of Axum to Ethiopia. The obelisk, a towering ancient monument, had been taken by Italian forces in 1937 during the Second Italo-Abyssinian War and transported to Rome. Pankhurst led a persistent and passionate advocacy effort for its return, highlighting its cultural and historical significance to Ethiopia. His tireless commitment bore fruit when the obelisk was successfully returned to Ethiopia and re-erected in its original location in Axum in 2008. This successful repatriation was a major victory for cultural heritage preservation and a testament to his unwavering dedication. For his efforts in this campaign, the Union of Tigraians of North America bestowed upon him the honorary title "Dejazmach Benkirew," which signifies a "Commander or general of the Gate" in traditional Ethiopian noble and court titles.
6. Personal life
Richard Pankhurst married Rita Eldon (1927-2019) in 1957. Together, they had two children: a daughter, Helen Pankhurst, and a son, Alula Pankhurst. Richard and Alula Pankhurst collaborated on at least one book, continuing a family tradition of intellectual partnership. Beyond his extensive scholarly works on Ethiopia, Richard Pankhurst also authored books about his mother, Sylvia Pankhurst, including Sylvia Pankhurst: Artist and Crusader and Sylvia Pankhurst: Counsel for Ethiopia, further highlighting the profound influence of his family on his life and work.
7. Death and legacy
Richard Pankhurst passed away on February 16, 2017, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the age of 89. His death was met with widespread mourning in Ethiopia and among the international academic community. He was buried on February 21 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, a testament to the deep respect he commanded in the country he dedicated his life to studying and supporting.
7.1. Assessment and recognition
Pankhurst received numerous honors and accolades throughout his career, reflecting the high regard in which he was held. In the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Diplomatic Service and Overseas section, specifically recognized "for services to Ethiopian studies." This British honor underscored his significant contributions to the field. Ethiopian officials and scholars consistently expressed their profound appreciation for his work and advocacy. Workneh Gebeyehu, the Ethiopian Foreign Minister at the time of Pankhurst's death, described him as "one of Ethiopia's greatest friends," encapsulating the sentiment of a nation that viewed him as a dedicated ally and champion of its heritage. His legacy continues to be celebrated for his scholarly rigor, his passionate advocacy, and his enduring commitment to Ethiopia.
8. Influence on Ethiopian Studies
Richard Pankhurst's work had a profound and lasting influence on the field of Ethiopian studies. His extensive publications, particularly his research into the economic and socio-cultural history of Ethiopia, provided foundational knowledge and new methodologies for understanding the country's past and present. He was instrumental in establishing the academic infrastructure for Ethiopian studies through his role in founding and directing the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and editing its associated journals. His meticulous research and broad thematic coverage inspired subsequent generations of researchers, encouraging a deeper and more nuanced exploration of Ethiopian history, languages, and cultures. Through his scholarship and advocacy, Pankhurst not only enriched the academic discourse but also played a crucial role in promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of Ethiopia's rich heritage on a global scale.